Breaking: Linda Yaccarino Steps Down as CEO of X After 2 Years – Announces Exit Same Day xAI Fully Acquires the Platform

In a surprise move on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, Linda Yaccarino officially resigned as Chief Executive Officer of Elon Musk’s social media giant X (formerly Twitter). The announcement comes just hours after X was fully acquired by Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, marking the beginning of what Yaccarino called “X 2.0” and a completely new chapter for the platform.

In an emotional farewell post on X, the platform she helped steer through turbulent times Yaccarino expressed deep gratitude to Elon Musk:

“I will forever be thankful to Elon for trusting me with the mission of protecting free speech, rebuilding advertiser relationships, and working toward the vision of turning X into the Everything App. It has truly been the honor of a lifetime.”

Background of Her Tenure

Appointed CEO in June 2023 (just 8 months after Musk’s $44 billion takeover of Twitter in October 2022)

Former NBCUniversal advertising chief brought in to rebuild trust with major brands and advertisers

Oversaw the rebranding from Twitter to X

Launched popular features such as Community Notes, longer videos, audio/video calls, and laid groundwork for X Payments (“X Money”)

Navigated multiple advertiser boycotts and regulatory challenges worldwide

Elon Musk has not yet announced Yaccarino’s successor, but sources indicate that leadership of X will now be more closely integrated with xAI’s team as the platform evolves into an AI-powered “Everything App.”